Building on an inclusive education model, and in celebration of the ‘Year of Early Childhood Development’, the Early Childhood Commission in Jamaica (ECC) is set to implement an Early Childhood Development Legacy Project in two existing infant schools.

While appealing for donations from the public, the ECC said it was hoping to have the project up and running by November 2022 as it is also being undertaken in recognition of Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence, which is being celebrated this year.

The schools being eyed by the commission are the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School on Olympic Way in Kingston and the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School II in Morant Bay, St Thomas.

According to the ECC, the objective of the project is to retrofit classrooms in each infant school to support the holistic development of children with special needs along with their peers who do not have special needs and who learn typically.

Maureen Dwyer, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, commenting on the proposed inclusive classroom project, said: “I am happy that, for ‘Jamaica 60’, we are looking at a way forward… .”

Dwyer added that these facilities “…are going to match (facilities) anywhere in any part of the world…”.

In a statement, the ECC said there was no doubt that Jamaica requires more of these facilities and that, with the support of public private partnerships, this project and others like it will become a reality.

Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes, executive director of the ECC, said the commission would “…shine the light more intently on inclusive environments, ensuring that we are continuing the thrust to support our children with special needs”.

Leo Gilling, chairman of The Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN), is excited about the
partnership with the ECC.

“The announcement of 2022 as the Year of Early Childhood Development inspires us to want to engage more through this Legacy Project by expanding the collaboration that will ultimately benefit the children,” Gillings said.

“The JDTAN’s Early Childhood Task Force is equipped with expertise and professionals ready to help build
capacity by matching available resources from Diaspora to assessed need in the sector.”

On April 28, Juwell Harley, an affiliate member of the JDTAN was the first person to make a donation towards this project.

HOW TO ASSIST THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT LEGACY PROJECT

• The ECC is looking forward to receiving more donations from entities and individuals in Jamaica and the Diaspora.
• Donations can be transferred to the ECC’s NCB Checking Account: 061-043-098. The branch address is 37 Duke Street, Kingston.
• For more information, contact Michelle Campbell, Director Cross Sectoral Coordination at the ECC at [email protected] for more information.